Ancient Chinese Medical Contributions to the World

 
1
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
 
W
e
e
k
 
1
5
 
L
e
c
t
u
r
e
C
h
i
n
a
 
T
o
p
i
c
 
0
3
M
e
d
i
c
a
l
 
C
o
n
t
r
i
b
u
t
i
o
n
s
 
f
r
o
m
 
C
h
i
n
a
 
 
T
h
i
s
 
l
e
c
t
u
r
e
 
w
a
s
 
l
a
s
t
 
u
p
d
a
t
e
d
 
0
7
 
N
o
v
e
m
b
e
r
,
 
2
0
1
9
1
9
 
A
p
r
i
l
,
 
2
0
1
3
 
a
n
d
 
1
5
 
O
c
t
o
b
e
r
 
2
0
1
5
 
2
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Medical Contributions from China
 
The learning objectives for week 15 are:
 
to know a few of China’s major medical gifts to
the world including the discovery of circadian
rhythms, smallpox vaccination and acupuncture
to appreciate the role of Chinese medicine in
world history and in the world today
 
3
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Medical Contributions from China
Terms you should know for week 15 are:
 
chi
yin
yang
circadian rhythms
acupuncture
 
4
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
T
h
e
s
e
 
s
l
i
d
e
s
 
c
o
r
r
e
s
p
o
n
d
 
t
o
 
a
n
d
 
s
u
p
p
l
e
m
e
n
t
 
t
h
e
r
e
a
d
i
n
g
:
 
R
o
b
e
r
t
 
T
e
m
p
l
e
.
 
1
9
9
8
.
 
T
h
e
 
G
e
n
i
u
s
 
o
f
 
C
h
i
n
a
:
 
3
,
0
0
0
 
Y
e
a
r
s
 
o
f
 
S
c
i
e
n
c
e
,
D
i
s
c
o
v
e
r
y
 
a
n
d
 
I
n
v
e
n
t
i
o
n
.
 
L
o
n
d
o
n
:
 
P
r
i
o
n
 
B
o
o
k
s
 
L
i
m
i
t
e
d
.
 
C
h
a
p
t
e
r
 
5
,
 
M
e
d
i
c
i
n
e
 
a
n
d
 
H
e
a
l
t
h
,
 
p
p
.
 
1
2
3
3
7
 
N
o
t
e
 
o
n
 
t
h
e
 
r
e
a
d
i
n
g
:
 
T
h
i
s
 
b
o
o
k
 
h
a
s
 
b
e
e
n
 
r
e
p
r
i
n
t
e
d
s
e
v
e
r
a
l
 
t
i
m
e
s
.
 
I
f
 
t
h
e
 
p
a
g
e
 
n
u
m
b
e
r
s
 
a
b
o
v
e
 
d
o
 
n
o
t
c
o
r
r
e
s
p
o
n
d
 
t
o
 
y
o
u
r
 
b
o
o
k
,
 
u
s
e
 
t
h
e
 
P
a
r
t
 
n
u
m
b
e
r
 
o
r
 
t
o
p
i
c
t
i
t
l
e
 
t
o
 
g
u
i
d
e
 
y
o
u
r
 
r
e
a
d
i
n
g
.
 
This slide was updated on 25 Nov
2013
 
5
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Medical Contributions from China
Additional Sources:
 
James, Peter, and Thorpe, Nick. 1994. 
Ancient Inventions
. Esp. pages 42–47;
Needham, Joseph. 1981. 
Science in Traditional China: A Comparative Perspective
. Cambridge, MA: Harvard
University Press. Esp. pages 85–106.
Panati, Charles. 1987. 
Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things
. New York: Harper and Row.
Rosen, Samuel. 1971. I have seen the past and it works. 
The New York Times
.
Wallnöfer, Heinrich, and  Anna von Rottauscher. 1972. 
Chinese Folk Medicine
.  New York: Mentor Books.
 
6
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
 
1.
C
h
i
n
a
 
g
a
v
e
 
s
u
b
s
t
a
n
t
i
a
l
 
h
e
a
l
t
h
 
a
n
d
m
e
d
i
c
a
l
 
c
o
n
t
r
i
b
u
t
i
o
n
s
 
t
o
 
t
h
e
 
w
o
r
l
d
2.
M
a
n
y
 
o
n
l
y
 
r
e
c
e
n
t
l
y
 
b
e
i
n
g
 
r
e
c
o
g
n
i
z
e
d
 
 
7
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
3
.
 
C
i
r
c
u
l
a
t
i
o
n
 
o
f
 
t
h
e
 
b
l
o
o
d
 
 
2
n
d
 
c
e
n
t
u
r
y
B
C
 William Harvey official discoverer in 1628
Got idea from Italian doctors who read al-Nafis
of Damascus (d 1288)
Al-Nafis learned it from Chinese
 
8
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
4
.
 
C
h
i
n
e
s
e
 
t
h
e
o
r
y
 
o
f
 
t
w
o
 
f
l
u
i
d
s
 
i
n
 
b
o
d
y
Blood (yin) pumped by heart flows thru arteries,
veins and capillaries
Ch’i (yang), a form of energy pumped by lungs
thru invisible tracts (see later under
acupuncture)
5
.
 
R
e
c
o
g
n
i
z
e
d
 
2
8
 
t
y
p
e
s
 
o
f
 
p
u
l
s
e
s
 
C
h
i
n
e
s
e
 
m
e
d
i
c
i
n
e
 
t
o
d
a
y
 
r
e
l
i
e
s
 
h
e
a
v
i
l
y
o
n
 
c
o
m
p
a
r
a
t
i
v
e
 
p
u
l
s
e
 
t
a
k
i
n
g
 
9
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
5a. Chi (sometimes spelled Ch’i) in Chinese
thought is a general energy flow found
throughout nature and throughout the
universe.
 
 
In Western philosophy this kind of belief is
called by the name “vitalism.”
 
10
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
6. Attempted to calculate speed of blood
flow but got it wrong by 60 times too slow;
28.8 minutes versus correct time of 30
seconds for complete circulation
7. Use bellows and bamboo tubes to
simulate and study blood flow
 
11
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
8.
Circadian rhythms
By the 2nd century 
BC
 Chinese physicians had
observed certain biological clocks that influence
people's general feelings and also the intensity
of symptoms of certain diseases – asthma
patients, for example, suffer more at night when
adrenal secretions are least. Pain levels also vary
greatly during the day.
Fevers and body temperatures increase toward
evening
 
12
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
9. Acupuncture – see later in slides – was
attuned to circadian rhythms as Chinese
physicians understood them
 
10. Circadian rhythms still not well
understood by Western medicine
 
13
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
11. Endocrinology
2nd century BC isolated sex and pituitary
hormones
Used for diseases and for overcoming sterility
Hormone crystals extracted from human urine
Understood difference between androgens and
estrogens
 
14
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
12. Deficiency diseases
Known by at least 200 
AD
Han Yü (762–824) noticed contrasting incidence of beriberi
south and north of Yangtze river
This an early example of epidemiology
Hu Ssu-Hui between 1314 and 1330 
The Principles of
Correct Diet
First book to systematize dietary advice for health
 
15
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
13. Diabetes
 
2nd century 
BC
 had noticed excessive thirst
associated with diabetes
Realized eating of sweets could be connected
7th century 
AD
 realized excessive sugar in urine
was part of the disease’s etiology
China about 1,000 years ahead of West in
understanding diabetes
 
16
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
14. Goiter and thyroid problems
 
7th century AD Chinese understood basics
Knew that seaweed could reduce problems
China about 2,500 years ahead of West
 
17
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
15. Immunology
Smallpox inoculation known by 10th century 
AD
May have influenced or been influenced by
African practices – see week 09 lecture 02
Is known to have spread to Turkey then to West
Chinese kept “innoculum” for month before using
led to heat death of 80% of virus particles
 
18
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
 
16. Steroids and Antibodies
 Steroids reduce swellings and inflammation
Antibodies identify and kill infectious diseases
Both were possibly developed by Chinese
 
Sources:  Temple, Robert.  1986.  
The Genius of China:  3,000 Years of Science, Discovery, and Invention
.  New
York.  Simon and Schuster.  Pages 123-137.  Needham, Joseph.  1981.  
Science in Traditional China: a
Comparative Perspective
.  Cambridge, Mass.  Harvard University Press.  Pages 85-106.
 
19
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
17. Ancient Chinese Medical Theory
The 
Nei Ching
: the Book of Internal Medicine
1,000 
BC
may be the oldest medical text known. Even by
1,000 
BC
 it was a well-known compilation of
medical ideas on which many commentaries had
been written.
[NB: Edwin Smith Egyptian text is 1,600 
BC – see
week 07 lecture 03]
 
20
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
18. The Nei Ching:
A fairly accurate understanding of the circulation
system, including the difference between veins
and arteries;
An interpretation of the vein/artery distinction in
terms of yin, the negative (oxygen-starved veins)
and yang, the positive (oxygen-rich arteries),
terms that permeate Chinese medical and
philosophical thought.
 
21
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
A basic idea about the function of nerves.
A theory about the causes of fever: too much
yang outbalancing the yin, and prescriptions for
life style and medicine intake to avoid fever. Too
much yin causes the pulse to weaken.
Descriptions of several types of pulse beats and
theories about what they mean and how to cure
them –to bring them back to normal.
 
22
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
18a. Nei Ching continued…
A theory of 6 yin and 6 yang meridians, or ducts
through the body that carry the two types of
energy. At 365 places these ducts come to the
surface of the body: insertion of one of 9 types of
acupuncture needles at these emergence points
can affect the balance of yin and yang thereby
curing diseases or stopping pain. Western science
still cannot account more effectively for the
observed successes of acupuncture.
Source: Wallinöfer and Anna von Rottauscher. 1972. Chinese Folk Medicine. New York: Mentor Books.
Pp. 16-17, 27-28, 126-127.
 
23
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
19. More on Chinese medicine….delivery of
medical services…
 
20. The Romans may have had the first
public medical system – around 200 
BC
in which local town councils paid the
doctors who treated everyone otherwise
for free.
 
24
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
21. The Chinese system was established by
the second century 
BC
 –and was financed
by the central government rather than
local communities. In establishing a
national health care system that covered
the entire population, China was about 2
thousand years ahead of Europe and
Canada.
 
25
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
22. The United States has still not found a
way to provide guaranteed health services
to its entire population
– in December 2006 New Jersey Senate Democrat
Joseph Vitale headed a study commission to make
New Jersey the 4th state – after Maine,
Massachusetts and Vermont – to guarantee
health insurance to its entire population.
 
26
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
2013 Update
22a. This effort has not yet succeeded and
the 2010 national “Affordable Care Act”
(“Obamacare”) still leaves several million
uninsured.
If Republican governors carry out their
threats to reject certain provisions of the Act,
the poorest members of society will remain
uncovered in those states.
 
This slide was added 19 April 2013
 
27
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
23. China’s health services were backed up
by medical schools where doctors were
trained. The world’s oldest known medical
school is the University of Lo-yang in 493
AD. In India medical schools might be
even older.
24. The world’s first known hospital comes
from China – in 2 
AD
 
28
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
25. It has been established that by 400 
AD
Chinese hospitals were being run by
Buddhist charities as well as the
government. These may have been the
model for Christian charitable hospitals
that began appearing in Europe around
the same time.
26. During Roman times, doctors had clinics
and nursing homes within their own house
complexes
 
29
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
27. The first drug stores were set up by the
Muslims in Baghdad in the 9th century
Muslim science developed the branch called
saydanah or pharmaceutical science
Baghdad pharmacies were regulated by the
government for quality control of medicines
28. European pharmacies were set up about
400 years later.
 
 
 
 
30
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
 
29. Acupuncture is probably China’s most
famous medical contribution
30. Acupuncture is widely accepted
internationally as an effective treatment for
several diseases and injuries
 
31
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
31. Acupuncture is the
insertion and twisting
of very fine needles at
surface points on the
human body.
Since the 1960s, some
needles have been
charged with 6 to 12
volts of low-wattage DC
current.
 
 
32
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
 
 
32. Moxibustion is the burning of small sticks
of the 
Artemisia
 (mugwort) shrub on the
skin at the acupuncture points
 
33
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
Moxibustion can be
done in connection with
acupuncture
Some theories say the
patient is relaxed by
inhaling the moxibustion
smoke
Photos show “cigar
moxas”
    
 
 
34
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
33. Acupuncture and moxibustion were
known in China from at least the 2nd
century 
BC
 
34. Several recent Chinese emperors had
banned both practices
 
35
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
A
c
u
p
u
n
c
t
u
r
e
:
 
2
0
1
3
 
U
p
d
a
t
e
35. The communist government after 1949 made
the revival of acupuncture and moxibustion a
major part of its medical and public health
campaigns
 
36. The addition of small electrical charges to the
acupuncture needles was part of the discoveries
made during the 
cultural revolution
 of 1966 to
1976.
 
This slide was updated 19 April 2013
 
36
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
37. Chinese physicians have now
established among Western scientists
their claim that acupuncture can relieve
pain, kill infections, and treat asthma,
migraines, ulcers, and drug addiction
38. The claim that acupuncture can cure
depression and schizophrenia is currently
under investigation worldwide
 
37
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
39. The United States National Institute of
Health (NIH) states that as of 2002 it was
estimated that 8.2 million adult Americans
had tried acupuncture for a wide range of
diseases and conditions.
 
40.  The Food and Drug Administration
approved acupuncture needles for use in
the US in 1996.
 
38
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
41. Many health insurance plans now cover
acupuncture for certain conditions.
 
42. Several major studies are underway to
assess acupuncture’s benefits.
 
43. Very few side effects have ever been
associated with acupuncture
 
39
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
44. Among the uses of acupuncture reported
to be successful or possibly successful by
the US NIH:
Reducing post-operative nausea and vomiting
Curing or ameliorating
Addiction
Headache
Menstrual cramps
Tennis elbow
 
40
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
44a. Acupuncture possible benefits
continued…
Myofascial pain
Osteoarthritis
Low-back pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Asthma
Aiding in stroke recovery
 
41
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
44b. Acupuncture benefits continued…
Fibromyalgia (chronic pain throughout the body –
often associated with chronic fatigue syndrome)
Pain relief in almost all types of pain
 
45. Chinese physicians use acupuncture as
an anesthesia for major surgery
 
42
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
Acupuncture
46. The Chinese theory behind
acupuncture postulates 361
or 365 points on the body
where channels carry the
yin
 [spirit energy] and the
yang
 [blood]. The needles
release, restore, or drain
energy or 
ch’i
 so as to
reestablish the proper
balance within the body.
Sources: James, Peter, and Thorpe, Nick. 1994. 
Ancient
Inventions
. Esp. pages 42–47; Needham, Joseph. 1981. 
Science in
Traditional China: A Comparative Perspective
. Cambridge, MA:
Harvard University Press. Esp. pages 85–106.
 
 
43
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
 
47. Western medicine has still not
developed a satisfactory explanation for
the obvious and observed healing effects
of acupuncture
 
44
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
48. Western scientists now realize that
ancient Chinese physicians somehow
developed an understanding of 
viscero-
cutaneous reflexes
. These are
connections between diseases of certain
internal organs and their telltale signs at
pressure points on the skin
 
45
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
49. In Western medicine one such reflex is
known as 
McBurney’s point
 – a place on
the front of the body where appendicitis
typically causes a pain point.
 
50. The Chinese theory is far more complex:
four major systems include:
 
46
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
tract to the hand (the cheirotelic tract)
connects to the lungs
tract from the hand
connects to the large intestine
tract to the foot
connects to the gall bladder
tract from the foot (podogenic)
connects to the liver
 
47
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
51. Knowledge of these and several related
systems tells the acupuncturist where to
insert the needle
 
52. One theory is based on the natural
childbirth methods developed in the Soviet
Union in the 1920s and based on the
research of Ivan Pavlov
 
48
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
53. Just as the woman’s breathing exercises
are supposed to interfere with the
transmission of pain from the birth canal to
the brain –
 
54. So the twisting needle might block the
transmission of pain to the brain from
wherever it is originating.
 
49
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
55. A modern version of this is the “gate
theory” of pain, developed by Ronald
Melzack, McGill University psychologist, in
1965
 
56. Certain nerve fibers block the
transmission of pain while others facilitate
it: the two systems meet at the spinal
chord
 
50
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
57. If the acupuncture needle stimulates the
pain-inhibiting nerves, the subject does not
experience pain
 
58. In 1977 Dr. Melzack and colleagues
identified several places on the body
where pain relief of this kind can be
achieved
 
51
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
59. They all turned out to correspond almost
exactly with the acu-points of Chinese
medicine – although the researchers had
not been aware of the acu points in
advance
 
60. Another theory derives from research
into how morphine works to relieve pain.
 
52
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
61. The existence of morphine receptors in
the human brain was previously a mystery
– ie. Why people are addicted to morphine
seemed counterintuitive because it meant
that nature had somehow created the
morphine receptors independently of the
morphine molecules.
 
53
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
 
62. Then it was discovered that the “morphine”
receptors in the brain are actually receptors for
morphine-like molecules that the human body
itself produces.
63. These are called enkephalins and endorphins.
They are more than 50 times as powerful as
morphine in suppressing pain.
 
54
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
A
c
u
p
u
n
c
t
u
r
e
:
 
2
0
1
3
 
U
p
d
a
t
e
 
64. The body destroys these pain-suppressants
after a short time, but if the acupuncture needle
continues to stimulate their production – say,
through the electrical pulses now used for surgery-
based acupuncture – then the pain controlling
mechanism might be explained.
 
Sources: Needham, Joseph. 1981. 
Science in Traditional China: A Comparative Perspective
. Cambridge, MA: Harvard
University Press. Esp. pages 92–94; James, Peter, and Thorpe Nick. 1994. 
Ancient Inventions
. New York: Ballentine.
Esp. pages 42–47.
 
This slide was updated 19 April 2013
 
55
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
A
c
u
p
u
n
c
t
u
r
e
:
 
2
0
1
3
 
U
p
d
a
t
e
 
64a. A report in 
Scientific American
 from 30 May,
2010 indicates that in mice, acupuncture needles
stimulated the production of adenosine, a chemical
that prevents pain signals from reaching the brain.
The researchers have speculated that this might
be the mechanism in humans by which
acupuncture relieves pain.
 
https://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode.cfm?id=mechanism-points-to-acupuncture-pai-10-05-30
 
This slide was updated 19 April 2013
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
A
c
u
p
u
n
c
t
u
r
e
 
a
n
d
M
o
x
i
b
u
s
t
i
o
n
:
2
0
1
5
 
U
p
d
a
t
e
 
On 12 October, 2015 Tu Youyou
became the first Chinese Nobel
Prize winner for her research 40
years ago that led to isolating the
active chemical – Artemisinin –
that combats malaria. (See slides
32–35 earlier in this lecture). The
award was in the category of
“Physiology or Medicine,” and the
Nobel Committee emphasized the
Western scientific methods she
used. She argued that she also
benefited from studying ancient
Chinese medical texts.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This slide was updated 15 October 2015
 
56
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
A
c
u
p
u
n
c
t
u
r
e
 
a
n
d
 
M
o
x
i
b
u
s
t
i
o
n
:
 
2
0
1
5
 
U
p
d
a
t
e
 
As a bottom line, we can say that her work represents a modern/traditional
amalgam – see the two 
New York Times 
articles below for interesting
information about how Western science and Chinese traditional medicine are
both complementary and competitive. Just click the links:
 
 
 
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/11/world/asia/nobel-renews-debate-on-chinese-
medicine.html?_r=0
 
 
https://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/10/06/nobel-china-medicine-tu-youyou-
prize/?_r=1
 
This slide was updated 15 October 2015
 
57
 
58
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
65. Many other aspects of acupuncture
continue to intrigue scientists both in
China and in the rest of the world.
 
66. Here is one example from 1971 that is
yet to be explained…
 
59
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
60
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
 
61
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
 
62
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
 
63
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
Acupuncture
 
64
 
Montclair State University Department of Anthropology
Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World
Dr. Richard W. Franke
 
 
 
E
E
n
n
d
d
 
 
o
o
f
f
 
 
W
W
e
e
e
e
k
k
 
 
1
1
5
5
 
 
L
L
e
e
c
c
t
t
u
u
r
r
e
e
C
C
h
h
i
i
n
n
e
e
s
s
e
e
 
 
C
C
o
o
n
n
t
t
r
r
i
i
b
b
u
u
t
t
i
i
o
o
n
n
s
s
 
 
0
0
3
3
M
M
e
e
d
d
i
i
c
c
a
a
l
l
 
 
C
C
o
o
n
n
t
t
r
r
i
i
b
b
u
u
t
t
i
i
o
o
n
n
s
s
 
 
f
f
r
r
o
o
m
m
 
 
C
C
h
h
i
i
n
n
a
a
 
Slide Note
Embed
Share

China has made significant contributions to global health and medicine, including the discovery of circadian rhythms, smallpox vaccination, and acupuncture. These advancements play a crucial role in both historical and contemporary healthcare practices worldwide. The learning objectives and key terms associated with China's medical gifts are outlined, supplemented by recommended readings and additional sources.

  • Chinese medicine
  • healthcare history
  • circadian rhythms
  • acupuncture

Uploaded on Oct 02, 2024 | 0 Views


Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Week 15 Lecture China Topic 03 Medical Contributions from China This lecture was last updated 07 November, 2019 19 April, 2013 and 15 October 2015 1

  2. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Medical Contributions from China The learning objectives for week 15 are: to know a few of China s major medical gifts to the world including the discovery of circadian rhythms, smallpox vaccination and acupuncture to appreciate the role of Chinese medicine in world history and in the world today 2

  3. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Medical Contributions from China Terms you should know for week 15 are: chi yin yang circadian rhythms acupuncture 3

  4. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke These slides correspond to and supplement the reading: Robert Temple. 1998. The Genius of China: 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery and Invention. London: Prion Books Limited. Chapter 5, Medicine and Health, pp. 123 37 Note on the reading: This book has been reprinted several times. If the page numbers above do not correspond to your book, use the Part number or topic title to guide your reading. This slide was updated on 25 Nov 2013 4

  5. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Medical Contributions from China Additional Sources: James, Peter, and Thorpe, Nick. 1994. Ancient Inventions. Esp. pages 42 47; Needham, Joseph. 1981. Science in Traditional China: A Comparative Perspective. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Esp. pages 85 106. Panati, Charles. 1987. Panati's Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things. New York: Harper and Row. Rosen, Samuel. 1971. I have seen the past and it works. The New York Times. Walln fer, Heinrich, and Anna von Rottauscher. 1972. Chinese Folk Medicine. New York: Mentor Books. 5

  6. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 1. China gave substantial health and medical contributions to the world 2. Many only recently being recognized 6

  7. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 3. Circulation of the blood 2nd century BC William Harvey official discoverer in 1628 Got idea from Italian doctors who read al-Nafis of Damascus (d 1288) Al-Nafis learned it from Chinese 7

  8. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 4. Chinese theory of two fluids in body Blood (yin) pumped by heart flows thru arteries, veins and capillaries Ch i (yang), a form of energy pumped by lungs thru invisible tracts (see later under acupuncture) 5. Recognized 28 types of pulses Chinese medicine today relies heavily on comparative pulse taking 8

  9. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 5a. Chi (sometimes spelled Ch i) in Chinese thought is a general energy flow found throughout nature and throughout the universe. In Western philosophy this kind of belief is called by the name vitalism. 9

  10. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 6. Attempted to calculate speed of blood flow but got it wrong by 60 times too slow; 28.8 minutes versus correct time of 30 seconds for complete circulation 7. Use bellows and bamboo tubes to simulate and study blood flow 10

  11. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 8. Circadian rhythms By the 2nd century BC Chinese physicians had observed certain biological clocks that influence people's general feelings and also the intensity of symptoms of certain diseases asthma patients, for example, suffer more at night when adrenal secretions are least. Pain levels also vary greatly during the day. Fevers and body temperatures increase toward evening 11

  12. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 9. Acupuncture see later in slides was attuned to circadian rhythms as Chinese physicians understood them 10. Circadian rhythms still not well understood by Western medicine 12

  13. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 11. Endocrinology 2nd century BC isolated sex and pituitary hormones Used for diseases and for overcoming sterility Hormone crystals extracted from human urine Understood difference between androgens and estrogens 13

  14. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 12. Deficiency diseases Known by at least 200 AD Han Y (762 824) noticed contrasting incidence of beriberi south and north of Yangtze river This an early example of epidemiology Hu Ssu-Hui between 1314 and 1330 The Principles of Correct Diet First book to systematize dietary advice for health 14

  15. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 13. Diabetes 2nd century BC had noticed excessive thirst associated with diabetes Realized eating of sweets could be connected 7th century AD realized excessive sugar in urine was part of the disease s etiology China about 1,000 years ahead of West in understanding diabetes 15

  16. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 14. Goiter and thyroid problems 7th century AD Chinese understood basics Knew that seaweed could reduce problems China about 2,500 years ahead of West 16

  17. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 15. Immunology Smallpox inoculation known by 10th century AD May have influenced or been influenced by African practices see week 09 lecture 02 Is known to have spread to Turkey then to West Chinese kept innoculum for month before using led to heat death of 80% of virus particles 17

  18. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 16. Steroids and Antibodies Steroids reduce swellings and inflammation Antibodies identify and kill infectious diseases Both were possibly developed by Chinese Sources: Temple, Robert. 1986. The Genius of China: 3,000 Years of Science, Discovery, and Invention. New York. Simon and Schuster. Pages 123-137. Needham, Joseph. 1981. Science in Traditional China: a Comparative Perspective. Cambridge, Mass. Harvard University Press. Pages 85-106. 18

  19. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 17. Ancient Chinese Medical Theory The Nei Ching: the Book of Internal Medicine 1,000 BC may be the oldest medical text known. Even by 1,000 BC it was a well-known compilation of medical ideas on which many commentaries had been written. [NB: Edwin Smith Egyptian text is 1,600 BC see week 07 lecture 03] 19

  20. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 18. The Nei Ching: A fairly accurate understanding of the circulation system, including the difference between veins and arteries; An interpretation of the vein/artery distinction in terms of yin, the negative (oxygen-starved veins) and yang, the positive (oxygen-rich arteries), terms that permeate Chinese medical and philosophical thought. 20

  21. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke A basic idea about the function of nerves. A theory about the causes of fever: too much yang outbalancing the yin, and prescriptions for life style and medicine intake to avoid fever. Too much yin causes the pulse to weaken. Descriptions of several types of pulse beats and theories about what they mean and how to cure them to bring them back to normal. 21

  22. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 18a. Nei Ching continued A theory of 6 yin and 6 yang meridians, or ducts through the body that carry the two types of energy. At 365 places these ducts come to the surface of the body: insertion of one of 9 types of acupuncture needles at these emergence points can affect the balance of yin and yang thereby curing diseases or stopping pain. Western science still cannot account more effectively for the observed successes of acupuncture. Source: Wallin fer and Anna von Rottauscher. 1972. Chinese Folk Medicine. New York: Mentor Books. Pp. 16-17, 27-28, 126-127. 22

  23. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 19. More on Chinese medicine .delivery of medical services 20. The Romans may have had the first public medical system around 200 BC in which local town councils paid the doctors who treated everyone otherwise for free. 23

  24. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 21. The Chinese system was established by the second century BC and was financed by the central government rather than local communities. In establishing a national health care system that covered the entire population, China was about 2 thousand years ahead of Europe and Canada. 24

  25. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 22. The United States has still not found a way to provide guaranteed health services to its entire population in December 2006 New Jersey Senate Democrat Joseph Vitale headed a study commission to make New Jersey the 4th state after Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont to guarantee health insurance to its entire population. 25

  26. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 2013 Update 22a. This effort has not yet succeeded and the 2010 national Affordable Care Act ( Obamacare ) still leaves several million uninsured. If Republican governors carry out their threats to reject certain provisions of the Act, the poorest members of society will remain uncovered in those states. 26 This slide was added 19 April 2013

  27. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 23. China s health services were backed up by medical schools where doctors were trained. The world s oldest known medical school is the University of Lo-yang in 493 AD. In India medical schools might be even older. 24. The world s first known hospital comes from China in 2 AD 27

  28. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 25. It has been established that by 400 AD Chinese hospitals were being run by Buddhist charities as well as the government. These may have been the model for Christian charitable hospitals that began appearing in Europe around the same time. 26. During Roman times, doctors had clinics and nursing homes within their own house complexes 28

  29. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke 27. The first drug stores were set up by the Muslims in Baghdad in the 9th century Muslim science developed the branch called saydanah or pharmaceutical science Baghdad pharmacies were regulated by the government for quality control of medicines 28. European pharmacies were set up about 400 years later. 29

  30. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 29. Acupuncture is probably China s most famous medical contribution 30. Acupuncture is widely accepted internationally as an effective treatment for several diseases and injuries 30

  31. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 31. Acupuncture is the insertion and twisting of very fine needles at surface points on the human body. Since the 1960s, some needles have been charged with 6 to 12 volts of low-wattage DC current. 31

  32. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 32. Moxibustion is the burning of small sticks of the Artemisia (mugwort) shrub on the skin at the acupuncture points 32

  33. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture Moxibustion can be done in connection with acupuncture Some theories say the patient is relaxed by inhaling the moxibustion smoke Photos show cigar moxas 33

  34. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 33. Acupuncture and moxibustion were known in China from at least the 2nd century BC 34. Several recent Chinese emperors had banned both practices 34

  35. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture: 2013 Update 35. The communist government after 1949 made the revival of acupuncture and moxibustion a major part of its medical and public health campaigns 36. The addition of small electrical charges to the acupuncture needles was part of the discoveries made during the cultural revolution of 1966 to 1976. 35 This slide was updated 19 April 2013

  36. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 37. Chinese physicians have now established among Western scientists their claim that acupuncture can relieve pain, kill infections, and treat asthma, migraines, ulcers, and drug addiction 38. The claim that acupuncture can cure depression and schizophrenia is currently under investigation worldwide 36

  37. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 39. The United States National Institute of Health (NIH) states that as of 2002 it was estimated that 8.2 million adult Americans had tried acupuncture for a wide range of diseases and conditions. 40. The Food and Drug Administration approved acupuncture needles for use in the US in 1996. 37

  38. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 41. Many health insurance plans now cover acupuncture for certain conditions. 42. Several major studies are underway to assess acupuncture s benefits. 43. Very few side effects have ever been associated with acupuncture 38

  39. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 44. Among the uses of acupuncture reported to be successful or possibly successful by the US NIH: Reducing post-operative nausea and vomiting Curing or ameliorating Addiction Headache Menstrual cramps Tennis elbow 39

  40. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 44a. Acupuncture possible benefits continued Myofascial pain Osteoarthritis Low-back pain Carpal tunnel syndrome Asthma Aiding in stroke recovery 40

  41. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 44b. Acupuncture benefits continued Fibromyalgia (chronic pain throughout the body often associated with chronic fatigue syndrome) Pain relief in almost all types of pain 45. Chinese physicians use acupuncture as an anesthesia for major surgery 41

  42. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 46. The Chinese theory behind acupuncture postulates 361 or 365 points on the body where channels carry the yin [spirit energy] and the yang [blood]. The needles release, restore, or drain energy or ch i so as to reestablish the proper balance within the body. Sources: James, Peter, and Thorpe, Nick. 1994. Ancient Inventions. Esp. pages 42 47; Needham, Joseph. 1981. Science in Traditional China: A Comparative Perspective. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Esp. pages 85 106. 42

  43. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 47. Western medicine has still not developed a satisfactory explanation for the obvious and observed healing effects of acupuncture 43

  44. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 48. Western scientists now realize that ancient Chinese physicians somehow developed an understanding of viscero- cutaneous reflexes. These are connections between diseases of certain internal organs and their telltale signs at pressure points on the skin 44

  45. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 49. In Western medicine one such reflex is known as McBurney s point a place on the front of the body where appendicitis typically causes a pain point. 50. The Chinese theory is far more complex: four major systems include: 45

  46. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture tract to the hand (the cheirotelic tract) connects to the lungs tract from the hand connects to the large intestine tract to the foot connects to the gall bladder tract from the foot (podogenic) connects to the liver 46

  47. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 51. Knowledge of these and several related systems tells the acupuncturist where to insert the needle 52. One theory is based on the natural childbirth methods developed in the Soviet Union in the 1920s and based on the research of Ivan Pavlov 47

  48. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 53. Just as the woman s breathing exercises are supposed to interfere with the transmission of pain from the birth canal to the brain 54. So the twisting needle might block the transmission of pain to the brain from wherever it is originating. 48

  49. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 55. A modern version of this is the gate theory of pain, developed by Ronald Melzack, McGill University psychologist, in 1965 56. Certain nerve fibers block the transmission of pain while others facilitate it: the two systems meet at the spinal chord 49

  50. Montclair State University Department of Anthropology Anth 140: Non Western Contributions to the Western World Dr. Richard W. Franke Acupuncture 57. If the acupuncture needle stimulates the pain-inhibiting nerves, the subject does not experience pain 58. In 1977 Dr. Melzack and colleagues identified several places on the body where pain relief of this kind can be achieved 50

More Related Content

giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#giItT1WQy@!-/#